Richard J. "Rick" Markowski

Richard J. "Rick" Markowski Richard J. "Rick" Markowski, age 71, retired Navy medic and retired social worker of Austin, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Helen Malfatone, and his niece, Danielle Dekeyser. Rick was born in 1934 and raised in Brooklyn, New York. With his mother's assistance, he joined the United States Navy at age 16. As a medic, he was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, D.C. and in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, one of his fondest duties was to vaccinate the children in the villages near where the troops were stationed. He had all of the documents prepared to adopt a six-year-old boy who had lost his parents and was heartbroken, yet happy, for the child when the boy's uncle came to claim him. His last duty station was in Austin. After leaving the Navy, he worked at the Austin State Hospital, initially helping patients obtain job training and placement, and later, as a caseworker on the Drug and Alcohol Unit. After obtaining a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, he worked as a counselor with the Travis County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, Fran Markowski, of Austin, sister, Evelyn Healy, of Durango, Colorado, nephew, Evan Dekeyser, of Middle Island, New York, and children, Joan Marie Rubi, of Kingsland, Texas, Margaret Ann McRorey, of Van Vleck, Texas, Richard Joseph Markowski, Jr., of Goldthwaite, Texas, Mary Lynn Gillies, of Brownwood, Texas, and Emily Taylor, of Austin. He leaves his legacy of strength and humor to his grandchildren, Carlye, Courtney, Megan, Brittany, Sara, Kevin, Kelly, Brian, Jimmy, Colton, and Jeremy, and great grandchildren, Sean, Paige, Ryan, Tatum, and Madison. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Humane Society or animal shelter. A memorial Mass will held be Saturday, July 22, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin. A gathering for the celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be determined. Arrangements by All Faiths Funeral Services, 8507 N. I-35, Austin, Texas.